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I noticed last week that the Oil in my Hydraulic Steering was very low. I have checked all of the fittings and found where the leak was. My question is, after I refill the resovoir on the "steering colum", how do I bleed the air out of the entire system? I have a single OB " Bay Star" engine set up.

Also, do I have to use the "Sea Star" Brand of oil $24 a quart or can I use "Quick Silver"????

Bay Star has a web-site that tells you exactly how to bleed the system. You can buy a the fluid and bleed kit together in a package. The directions on how to bleed is in the package. I wouldn't think it makes any difference who's fluid you use.

Usually its no more complicated than steering from one extreme to the other a few times, same as bleeding an auto steering system, they're self bleeding.
Keep topping up as air comes out until it takes no more.

Usually its no more complicated than steering from one extreme to the other a few times, same as bleeding an auto steering system, they're self bleeding.
Keep topping up as air comes out until it takes no more.

Boat hydraulic steering is NOT self-bleeding like an automotive power steering. There are bleed valves and a specific procedure as has been indicated above.

oooh, and transmission fluid makes the wheel alittle 'heavy' feeling since it is thicker.......and for sea star guys on big boats flushing out moisture every ten years buy hydraulic fluid from autoparts store at 42$/5 gal instead of over priced stuff at west marine.